Ted Bunch to Keynote CFJ's Speaking with Men Breakfast, Nov. 15

Bridgeport, CT - Ted Bunch, an educator known for his pioneering work engaging men in efforts to end violence against women, will be the keynote speaker at The Center for Family Justice’s first Speaking with Men breakfast.

The breakfast, which will take place at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 a.m., is being produced by CFJ’s White Ribbon Task Force, a group of male community leaders who work with the Bridgeport-based nonprofit to break the cycles of domestic and sexual violence in the six local communities it serves. 

The event is being co-chaired by Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara, chairman of CFJ’s White Ribbon Task Force, and attorney Matt Reale of Trumbull, a task force member who also sits on CFJ’s Board of Directors.

Bunch is co-founder of A Call to Men, a nonprofit which works globally to educate men on the meaning of a healthy, respectful manhood.  He has been an advisor to organizations including the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the U.S. military and the United Nations on subjects including the ways male socialization intersects with violence and preventing violence against all women and girls.

“Engaging men in these conversations is profoundly important when it comes to changing our culture and creating a world where everyone can live lives free of domestic and sexual violence,” said Debra A. Greenwood, President & CEO of The Center for Family Justice. “We are so proud to work with a group of men who are leaders in the community who care so deeply about these issues and are willing to take a stand with us by creating this meaningful event featuring Ted Bunch.” 

MacNamara, who recently announced his imminent retirement as Fairfield’s police chief after 30 years with the department, noted that while men are often perceived as perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence, the Speaking with Men breakfast is part of a larger effort to encourage men to speak out against these crimes and stand with victims and survivors. “While it’s true the majority of men commit these crimes, they represent just a small minority of men,” noted MacNamara, who is joining Sacred Heart University as its Director of Public Safety & Governmental Affairs. “The majority of men can make a difference and encourage prevention through being good role models and speaking out against violence and abuse.” 

Reale said he hopes Speaking with Men will encourage more men to support and engage in the important work The Center for Family Justice does on behalf of victims of domestic and sexual violence in the communities of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull. “We’re honored to have Ted Bunch with us as our first keynote speaker as he is highly-regarded expert on the issues CFJ deals with every day,” he said. “We are hoping those who join us will learn about our efforts to get men involved breaking the cycles of domestic and sexual violence. We are sending a strong message during this #MeToo era that men care too.” 

In addition to his work as co-founder of A Call to Men, Bunch is the co-author of the LiveRespect, a curriculum designed to prevent bullying in school and sports. He is a sought after speaker for the impactful sexual assault prevention programs for boys in high school and college. He has also worked extensively at schools across the United States. He is frequently featured on television and radio and has served as a script consultant to the Emmy-winning television series Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. 

Tickets for Speaking with Men, featuring keynote Ted Bunch, are $35 and available by visiting CFJ’s web site, CenterforFamilyJustice.org or by contacting Development & Events Coordinator Chalae Satawhite at CSatawhite@CenterforFamilyJustice.org.